You’re standing in an art supply store, overwhelmed by endless paint tubes in every color imaginable. Finding the right professional acrylic set feels impossible. You’ll want pigments that blend smoothly, colors that last, and tubes generous enough for serious projects. But which sets actually deliver? We’ve identified seven options that working artists genuinely trust—and there’s one standout feature you shouldn’t overlook.
Quick Overview
- Professional-grade acrylic sets feature finely ground, high-pigment formulas that resist fading and maintain color vibrancy throughout artwork longevity.
- Larger 75ml tubes provide extended paint supply and coverage area, making them ideal for serious artists undertaking substantial projects.
- Comprehensive color ranges with warm and cool primary options enable efficient mixing and versatile blending for diverse artistic applications.
- Creamy, heavy-body paint consistency with flexible dry formulas allows smooth application and prevents cracking across multiple surface types.
- Multi-surface compatibility with canvas, fabric, wood, and ceramics combined with medium compatibility expands creative possibilities for professional artists.
| Professional Acrylic Paint Set – 20 Colors (75ml) |
| Best For Beginners | Number of Colors: 20 colors | Tube/Bottle Size: 75ml (2.54oz) | Paint Finish/Texture: Matte, creamy, heavy body | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Artists’ Acrylic Color 12-Tube Set 20ml |
| Professional Artist Grade | Number of Colors: 12 colors | Tube/Bottle Size: 20ml | Paint Finish/Texture: Rich, intense depth | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint 12-Color Set |
| Best Overall Quality | Number of Colors: 12 colors | Tube/Bottle Size: 59ml (2oz) | Paint Finish/Texture: Thick, rich, satin finish | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Artkey Acrylic Paint Set 24 Colors Professional Artists Kit |
| Best Value Set | Number of Colors: 24 colors | Tube/Bottle Size: 59ml (2oz) | Paint Finish/Texture: Butter-like consistency | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ESRICH Professional Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Easel |
| Most Complete Kit | Number of Colors: 24 colors | Tube/Bottle Size: 12ml (0.4oz) | Paint Finish/Texture: Vibrant, smooth application | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics 12 Color Mixing Set |
| Best Mixing Palette | Number of Colors: 12 colors | Tube/Bottle Size: 22ml (0.75fl oz) with glazing liquid | Paint Finish/Texture: Exceptionally smooth, thick texture | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Nicpro 30pcs Professional Paint Brush Set with Accessories |
| Best Brush Collection | Number of Colors: N/A (brush set only) | Tube/Bottle Size: N/A (brush set only) | Paint Finish/Texture: N/A (brush set only) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Professional Acrylic Paint Set – 20 Colors (75ml)
If you’re seeking versatility without compromise, the PENTRISTA Professional Acrylic Paint Set delivers. You’ll get 20 vibrant colors in 75ml tubes with heavy-body pigmentation that covers surfaces beautifully. The creamy texture makes mixing and layering effortless, whether you’re working on canvas, wood, rocks, or fabric. These waterproof, fade-resistant paints won’t deteriorate over time, and they’re certified non-toxic, so you can paint worry-free. With a 4.6-star rating from over 200 reviews and competitive pricing, this set gives you professional-quality results without breaking your budget. It’s perfect for beginners exploring acrylics or experienced artists needing reliable colors for various projects.
- Number of Colors:20 colors
- Tube/Bottle Size:75ml (2.54oz)
- Paint Finish/Texture:Matte, creamy, heavy body
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, rocks, wood, fabric, plastic
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 certified
- Additional Accessories Included:None
- Additional Feature:Heavy body, highly pigmented
- Additional Feature:Waterproof, fade-resistant, durable
- Additional Feature:Suitable for multiple surfaces
Winsor & Newton Artists’ Acrylic Color 12-Tube Set 20ml
For artists seeking professional-grade acrylics with exceptional color richness and intensity, Winsor & Newton‘s 12-tube set delivers an extensive palette without the premium price of larger formats. You’ll receive a carefully curated selection spanning warm and cool primaries, earth tones, and versatile neutrals. The 20ml tubes provide enough paint for serious exploration while remaining portable and budget-friendly. Each color—from Lemon Yellow Hue to Titanium White—offers the depth professionals expect. You can seamlessly integrate these paints with Winsor & Newton’s Professional Acrylic Brushes and mediums, ensuring compatibility and ideal results. This set strikes a perfect balance between comprehensive color options and practical value for developing artists.
- Number of Colors:12 colors
- Tube/Bottle Size:20ml
- Paint Finish/Texture:Rich, intense depth
- Suitable Surfaces:Professional use (unspecified surfaces)
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Additional Accessories Included:None
- Additional Feature:Professional-grade color intensity
- Additional Feature:Compatible with W&N mediums
- Additional Feature:Smaller tube format (20ml)
Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint 12-Color Set
The Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint 12-Color Set stands out as an excellent choice whether you’re just starting your painting journey or you’re a seasoned artist looking for a reliable core palette. You’ll appreciate the thick, highly pigmented formula that delivers rich color with a satin finish. Each of the twelve 2oz tubes contains versatile hues—from cadmium yellows and reds to vibrant blues and greens—giving you everything you need. The paint remains flexible when dry, preventing cracking. You can easily intermix these colors with other Liquitex Professional acrylics and mediums, expanding your creative possibilities. This set provides exceptional value and professional-quality results at an accessible price point.
- Number of Colors:12 colors
- Tube/Bottle Size:59ml (2oz)
- Paint Finish/Texture:Thick, rich, satin finish
- Suitable Surfaces:General professional use
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Additional Accessories Included:Glazing liquid included
- Additional Feature:Satin finish when dry
- Additional Feature:Intermixable with Liquitex mediums
- Additional Feature:Color match across ranges
Artkey Acrylic Paint Set 24 Colors Professional Artists Kit
Are you searching for a versatile acrylic paint set that won’t compromise on quality or surface compatibility? The Artkey 24-Color Professional Artists Kit delivers exactly that. You’ll get butter-like consistency paints in 2 oz bottles that spread smoothly and mix effortlessly. The tightly sealed bottles prevent leakage and drying, while color labels keep everything organized. You can apply these water-based, non-toxic acrylics to canvas, fabric, wood, ceramic, rock, metal, plastic, and plaster. Artists praise the rich color retention, particularly for paint pouring. Whether you’re tackling DIY projects, crafts, or creating with kids, this set’s extensive color selection covers your needs. It arrives in sturdy packaging, making it an excellent gift for artists at any skill level.
- Number of Colors:24 colors
- Tube/Bottle Size:59ml (2oz)
- Paint Finish/Texture:Butter-like consistency
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, fabric, wood, ceramic, rock, metal, plastic, plaster
- Safety Certification:Non-toxic, water-based
- Additional Accessories Included:Sturdy colorful storage box
- Additional Feature:Butter-like consistency application
- Additional Feature:Color-marked bottles prevent confusion
- Additional Feature:Excellent for paint pouring
ESRICH Professional Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Easel
Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or refining your craft, ESRICH’s Professional Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Easel delivers everything you need in one inclusive kit. You’ll receive 24 vibrant colors, 12 brushes, two palettes, and five paint knives across multiple sizes. The adjustable easel accommodates canvases from 8×10 to 11×14 inches, while twelve blank drawing boards give you ample surfaces to explore. With two brush cups, art sponges, and a gift box included, you’re equipped for serious painting immediately. All paints conform to ASTM D-4236 safety standards, making this set ideal for artists, students, teens, and kids. Note that fragile components may require careful handling during shipping.
- Number of Colors:24 colors
- Tube/Bottle Size:12ml (0.4oz)
- Paint Finish/Texture:Vibrant, smooth application
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, all surfaces
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236 certified, non-toxic
- Additional Accessories Included:Brushes, easel, palettes, boards, knives, cups, sponges
- Additional Feature:Complete all-in-one painting kit
- Additional Feature:Adjustable easel included
- Additional Feature:12 blank drawing boards
GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics 12 Color Mixing Set
If you’re serious about color mixing and want professional-grade results without excessive tube clutter, GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics’ 12 Color Mixing Set delivers exactly what you need. You’ll get twelve carefully selected colors using the intuitive split primary method—warm and cool versions of each primary—enabling you to mix an extensive palette efficiently. The exceptionally thick, smooth paint retains your brushstrokes and palette knife marks beautifully. Each tube contains 3/4 fl. oz., and you’ll also receive a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Gloss Glazing Liquid. Made in the USA by an employee-owned company with over forty years of professional paint expertise, this set provides serious artists with reliable, high-quality materials.
- Number of Colors:12 colors
- Tube/Bottle Size:22ml (0.75fl oz) with glazing liquid
- Paint Finish/Texture:Exceptionally smooth, thick texture
- Suitable Surfaces:Professional use
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Additional Accessories Included:None
- Additional Feature:Split primary mixing method
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
- Additional Feature:Includes glazing liquid
Nicpro 30pcs Professional Paint Brush Set with Accessories
The Nicpro 30-piece brush set stands out as an excellent choice for artists seeking versatility without compromise. You’ll get eight flat, six round, six filbert, three angle, three fan, two dagger brushes, plus liner, cats tongue, and spatula options. The nylon bristles absorb paint exceptionally well while maintaining elasticity and shape retention across sessions. Sturdy birch wood handles with double-crimping aluminum ferrules guarantee durability during extended use. You’ll appreciate the included canvas roll for organized storage and convenient transport. Whether you’re working with acrylics, oils, watercolors, or gouache, this set accommodates all mediums. It’s ideal for beginners through professionals seeking reliable, affordable tools.
- Number of Colors:N/A (brush set only)
- Tube/Bottle Size:N/A (brush set only)
- Paint Finish/Texture:N/A (brush set only)
- Suitable Surfaces:Acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache
- Safety Certification:N/A (brush set only)
- Additional Accessories Included:Canvas roll storage bag, paint spatula
- Additional Feature:30-piece diverse brush selection
- Additional Feature:Durable canvas roll storage
- Additional Feature:Multi-medium compatible brushes
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Professional Acrylic Paint Set
You’ll want to evaluate pigment quality and opacity to guarantee your colors stay vibrant and cover surfaces effectively. Consider the tube size and volume alongside your budget and painting frequency, then examine the color range selection to verify you’re getting the hues you need for your projects. Don’t overlook surface compatibility, paint consistency, and texture, as these factors directly impact how well your chosen set performs on different materials and artistic styles.
Pigment Quality and Opacity
When selecting a professional acrylic paint set, pigment quality and opacity should rank among your top priorities. High-quality acrylic paints contain finely ground pigments that deliver excellent opacity and vibrant color coverage. You’ll notice the difference immediately—professional-grade sets have noticeably higher pigment loads than student-quality alternatives, enabling superior blending and layering capabilities.
Pigment quality directly impacts how your colors maintain their hue when dry. Opaque paints resist becoming dull or transparent as you layer them, preserving your intended visual effects. Additionally, you’ll want to examine lightfastness, especially if your artwork will face sunlight exposure. Quality pigments resist fading over time, ensuring your pieces remain vibrant for years. Investing in superior pigment quality guarantees your artwork’s longevity and professional appearance.
Tube Size and Volume
Since different painting projects demand varying amounts of paint, tube size becomes an essential factor in selecting your professional acrylic set. Larger tubes like 75ml or 2oz containers give you more pigment per color, extending how long your paints last and increasing the area you can cover. This proves ideal when you’re working on expansive canvases or completing multiple projects.
Conversely, smaller 20ml tubes offer portability and convenience for traveling artists or students with budget constraints. You’ll appreciate their lightweight design without sacrificing quality.
When evaluating sets, examine the total combined volume—ranging from 12oz to over 50oz—and match it to your specific needs. Consider your painting scale, workspace, and frequency of use to determine which tube sizes best support your artistic practice.
Color Range Selection
The colors you select form the foundation of your artistic expression, making palette composition a critical consideration when choosing a professional acrylic set. You’ll find options ranging from basic 12-color palettes to expansive 30-color collections, each serving different artistic needs.
Consider whether you need balanced primary, secondary, and tertiary colors alongside neutral tones for depth and flexibility. Some sets focus on specific themes—earth tones or high-intensity hues—that align with your particular style or project requirements.
Pay close attention to pigment quality and opacity, as these factors directly impact your painting’s vibrancy, coverage, and blending capabilities. A well-rounded color range enables you to mix and blend a diverse palette, giving you greater creative control and artistic versatility across various projects.
Surface Compatibility
Your choice of painting surface fundamentally shapes how your acrylic paint performs, making surface compatibility an essential factor when selecting a professional set. You’ll find that porous surfaces like canvas and unfinished wood accept acrylic paint readily without preparation. However, you’ll need to prime smooth surfaces such as ceramic, plastic, and glass with gesso or medium to guarantee proper adhesion. Metal surfaces demand similar attention. Consider the texture and absorbency of your preferred working surfaces when evaluating paint sets. Professional-grade acrylics work across multiple surfaces, but understanding which surfaces require preparation helps you choose sets suited to your specific artistic needs. Match your paint choice to your surface strategy for ideal results.
Paint Consistency and Texture
Paint consistency and texture dramatically influence how you’ll apply color and achieve specific visual effects. You’ll find professional sets offer varying viscosities—from thick, buttery formulations to thinner, more fluid options.
Heavy-body paints give you impasto techniques and pronounced brushstrokes, ideal for expressive work. Medium-body acrylics provide versatility for both detail and coverage. Fluid acrylics let you create smooth washes and fine lines effortlessly.
Consider your preferred painting style when selecting a set. If you’re layering techniques, you’ll benefit from consistent texture throughout. Some artists prefer sets where you can adjust viscosity with mediums rather than buying multiple formulations.
Test samples before committing to a full set. What works for one artist won’t necessarily suit your needs. Your chosen consistency should complement your technical approach and creative vision.
Budget and Value
Balancing cost with quality matters greatly when you’re investing in professional acrylic paints. You’ll want to determine your budget first, then compare price per milliliter across sets to identify the most cost-effective options. Don’t just focus on paint alone—look for sets that bundle brushes or palettes, since these extras increase overall value considerably.
Hunt for sales and bundle deals that let you stretch your budget further without sacrificing quality. Evaluate how durable the paints are and whether you’ll actually use the colors included. Premium sets from established brands often outlast cheaper alternatives, making them better long-term investments despite higher upfront costs. Prioritize sets offering excellent color ranges and consistent quality to guarantee your money translates into reliable, professional-grade results.
Safety Certifications and Toxicity
While finding the right price-to-quality ratio matters, what you’re actually putting on your canvas—and potentially inhaling—deserves equal attention. You’ll want to verify that your paints conform to safety standards like ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3, which guarantee non-toxic formulations. Look for certifications confirming the paint’s lead-free and cadmium-free composition—critical factors for your health and environmental responsibility.
Water-based, odorless paints indicate lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them safer for extended studio sessions. Professional-grade acrylics typically provide greater assurance of quality and safety compared to craft alternatives. Always review the manufacturer’s safety information and product labels before purchasing. This diligence guarantees you’re choosing paints appropriate for your specific needs, whether you’re a professional artist or working in shared creative spaces.
